Attachment 0008 - Contract Quality Requirements.docx

CONTRACT QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

Contracting Officers shall follow the instructions stated on the ARDEC Form 367-E to determine which text should be incorporated into their individual solicitations/contracts. Any text that will be incorporated shall be included in this Word document attachment which should be identified as “Contract Quality Requirements” in the listing of attachments in Section J. Any text that will not be included shall be deleted.

1.) GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT QA ACTIONS: INSPECTION

Government Procurement Quality Assurance (PQA) actions will be accomplished by the Government Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) at: Contractor's Plant

.) GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT QA ACTIONS: ACCEPTANCE

Acceptance of supplies will be at: Contractor's Plant

The Government's acceptance of FATR (if required) will be at: Destination

.) ALTERNATIVES TO LOT ACCEPTANCE SAMPLING –

INCLUDING STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL (SPC)

(a) Offerors are encouraged to propose a defect prevention strategy in lieu of lot acceptance inspection and testing requirements cited in the technical data package. The Government recognizes that industry has developed numerous prevention based strategies which result in reduced process variation and promote continuous process improvement initiatives. Use of alternatives to lot acceptance sampling can provide offerors the latitude of implementing prevention based programs that are suitable to their particular mode of operation. Offerors are encouraged to submit their alternative proposals prior to award. Although the Government will entertain post award requests, there is no guarantee such requests will be accepted.

(b) Requests to use alternatives to lot acceptance sampling shall be provided to the Contracting Officer for review and approval or disapproval. Such requests shall include:

(1) Identification of the specific inspections and tests to be reduced or eliminated.

(2) A description of your prevention based program. This should include such topics as a training program and the performance of audits.

(3) A description of the tools used to monitor and control the specific processes being evaluated. This should include such topics as criteria for determining out of control conditions and procedures to be used when an out of control condition is detected.

(4) The results of a process performance study, and if available, the results of a process capability study.

(5) For SPC data to be used as an alternative to lot acceptance sampling, the following conditions shall be met:

(i) The process is in a state of statistical control using SPC control chart methods.

(ii) Variable data: for Critical characteristics a CPK =/> 2.00 (or equivalent capability) is achieved; for Major characteristics a CPK =/> 1.33 (or equivalent capability) is achieved.

(iii) Attribute data: for Critical Characteristics a process average of 100% of the product conforming to the specification; for Major Characteristics a process average of 99.9937% of the product conforming to the specification.

(c) Proposals offered after award. The Contracting Officer is responsible for accepting or rejecting the alternate lot acceptance procedure submitted by the contractor. The contractor may submit an alternate lot acceptance procedure at any time during the performance of this contract. The Contracting Officer is responsible for accepting or rejecting the alternate procedure within 30 days of receipt. If the Government needs more time to evaluate the alternate procedure, the Contracting Officer shall notify the contractor in writing, giving the reasons and the anticipated decision date. The contractor may withdraw its proposal at any time prior to its incorporation by contract modification. Because offerors may withdraw their proposal at any time, the Contracting Officer's failure to timely accept or reject the proposal shall not constitute grounds for claim against the Government. Any proposed and accepted procedure must be incorporated by contract modification. If the alternate procedure is not accepted, the Contracting Officer shall provide the contractor with written notification, explaining the reasons for rejection.

(d) Any equitable adjustment resulting from approval of an alternate lot acceptance procedure described in paragraph (c) above will be handled in accordance with the Changes clause of this contract.

(e) Until notification is received, the contractor is required to perform under this contract in accordance with the requirements herein, including lot acceptance inspection and testing.

.) QUALITY POST AWARD CONFERENCE

Post Award Conference (definition) - A first meeting of key Contractor/Government players. This conference is to assure a clear and mutual understanding of the contract between the Government and contractor. The Post Award conference includes discussions on contract terms, conditions and requirements, line items and sequence of events needed for successful execution of the subject contract effort.

The contractor shall host a post award conference/meeting at the contractor’s facility to include contractor and government contracting, management, quality assurance and technical personnel no later than 30 calendar days after first task order. The contractor shall participate with the government to arrange a schedule and agenda for the post award conference prior to the meeting. The contractor shall provide the government with minutes of the post award meeting (DI-ADMN-81505 tailored).

.) MEASUREMENT SYSTEM EVALUATION (MSE)

(a) Definitions. This paragraph defines specific terms utilized throughout the rest of the clause and in the accompanying Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) and Data Item Description (DID) (DI-QCIC-81960). This aids in clarifying the MSE requirements to Government and contractor personnel.

(1) Acceptance Inspection Equipment (AIE). All equipment (includes AAIE defined below), special and standard, including dimensional gages, measuring equipment, test fixtures, electronic and physical test equipment, and other test equipment used for examination and test of a product to determine conformance to the Technical Data Package (TDP) which may include drawings and specifications (e.g., Detail, Performance, Weapon specifications, and QAPs).

(2) Automated Acceptance Inspection Equipment (AAIE). AIE in which the inspection and acceptance determination of the product is performed, in whole or in part, in an automatic manner.

(3) Contractor Inspection Equipment. Government-approved equipment utilized by the contractor to perform examination and tests to assure conformance to contract requirements.

(4) Commercial Inspection Equipment. Industry-developed inspection equipment of universal application, without limitations to a specific part or item, which is advertised or cataloged as available to the trade or to the public on an unrestricted basis at an established price. Examples follow:

(i) Standard Test Equipment. Multi-usage equipment that is specific to a function rather than to an item. It includes such items as hardness testers, tensile strength testers, meters, weighing devices, standard gear testers, ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes.

(ii) Standard Measuring Equipment (SME). Multipurpose equipment and standards used for performing measurements. It includes such items as micrometers, rulers, tapes, height gages, and protractors, etc. Standards include visual inspection equipment such as scratch and dig standards, surface finish comparator, color standards (FED-STD-595), etc.

(5) Nondestructive Testing. The development and application of technical methods to examine materials or components in ways that do not impair future usefulness and serviceability in order to detect, locate, measure and evaluate flaws; to assess integrity, properties and composition; and to measure geometrical characteristics. NDT includes Radiography/Radioscopic, Ultrasonic, Eddy Current, Magnetic Particle, and Liquid Penetrant.

(6) Measurement System Analysis (MSA). Per ASTM E2782 (Standard Guide for MSA), paragraph 3.1.7, MSA is any of a number of specialized methods useful for studying a measurement system and its properties.

(b) Scope. This clause establishes requirements for design, supply, performance, and maintenance of AIE used for product inspection and acceptance. In addition, this clause establishes requirements for the preparation, submission, and approval of AIE documentation.

(c) AIE. The contractor shall provide all AIE necessary to ensure conformance of components and end-items to contract requirements. AIE shall include inspection, measuring, and test equipment whether Government furnished or contractor furnished (including commercially acquired) along with the necessary specifications and procedures for their use (see ISO 10012, paragraph 6.2.1). The AIE shall not create or conceal defects on the product being inspected. All AIE documentation shall contain sufficient information to permit evaluation of the AIE’s ability to test, verify, and/or measure the applicable characteristics or parameters (see DI-QCIC-81960).

(d) AIE Designs & Government Furnished Gages. AIE designs are of two types – Government designs (see d.1) and contractor designs (see d.2). When applicable, Government designs or Government furnished gages are designated in the TDP/contract; responsibility for all other AIE is assigned to the contractor. The designs, associated inspection procedures, and theory of operation shall have the level of detail to demonstrate capability of the proposed AIE to perform the required inspection.

(1) Government AIE Designs. Government AIE designs may consist of detailed drawings necessary for the fabrication and use of the AIE. Unless otherwise specified, the contractor may submit alternate or modified contractor designs of Government AIE designs.

(2) Contractor AIE Designs. Contractor AIE design drawings shall meet the requirements of ASME Y14.100, ASME Y14.5 and ASME Y14.43 and may include commercial inspection equipment. [“Commercial inspection equipment” is defined as shown in paragraph a.4 above. It shall be fully described by catalog listings or other means which provide sufficient information to permit identification and evaluation by the Government and may include illustrations and engineering data.] Designs shall be submitted for any special fixture(s) to be used. Unless otherwise specified, Gage Tolerancing Policy shall be in accordance with ASME Y14.43, “Absolute Tolerancing (Pessimistic Tolerancing).”

(3) Visual Inspection. Visual inspection standards used for the acceptance/rejection of product shall be submitted for approval.

(e) AIE Package Submittals. The contractor shall prepare the AIE package submittal in accordance with DI-QCIC-81960 in the applicable Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL – DD Form 1423). In addition, the contractor shall adhere to the following requirements:

(1) Designs for Approval. Contractor designs and/or the submission for the use of Government designs shall be approved by the Government. Partial submission of AIE designs is permissible in order to expedite the approval process; however, the response date for design review will be based on the date of the final complete submission of designs.

(2) Correspondence in English. The contractor shall ensure all AIE correspondence and documentation are submitted in English.

(3) Units of Measurement. The units of measurement within the AIE package submittal shall be consistent with the requirements of the Technical Data Package (TDP).

(4) AIE Flow Down. The contractor shall flow down AIE requirements to sub-contractors at any tier who are performing acceptance inspections.

(f) Characteristics for Inspection. AIE documentation for Critical, Special, and Major characteristic inspections shall be submitted to the Government for approval in accordance with (IAW) the CDRL (DI-QCIC-81960). AIE for Minor characteristic inspections shall be submitted to the Government for approval IAW CDRL (DI-QCIC-81960) and as required below:

☐ (1) Listed Minor (characteristics displayed on specifications and/or drawings

☐ (2) Government selected list (as attached or as provided herein)

☐ (3) Not submitted

(g) Automated Acceptance Inspection Equipment. The AAIE shall accept only conforming material. All characteristics requiring AAIE per the TDP shall utilize inspection equipment with a minimum demonstrated reliability of 99.8% at a 90% confidence level to detect non-conforming material unless otherwise specified below.

(1) Reliability of 99.8% at a 90% Confidence Level for Critical/Special Characteristics

(2) Reliability of 99% at a 90 % Confidence Level for Major Characteristics

(3) For inspection of major and minor characteristics where contractor utilizes AAIE when it is not required by the TDP, the AAIE package shall be submitted to the Government for approval. If the Minor characteristic is not listed in paragraph f.2 or not required for submittal in paragraph f.3, then the AAIE requirements (e.g., verification, calibration, prove-out, etc.) of the inspection shall still be performed.

(4) All AAIE packages submitted to the Government for approval shall be in accordance with MIL-A-70625 (Automated Acceptance Inspection Equipment Design, Testing and Approval of). Furthermore, the contractor shall be responsible for producing the acceptance and rejection verification standards/masters representative of the characteristics the AAIE is designed to inspect. The verification standards and frequency of use require Government approval prior to use. When verification standards are used for the VL-VII “sampling plan” per MIL-STD-1916 paragraph 4.4, verification standards and frequency of use shall require Government approval prior to use.

(5) If the AAIE accepts a critical characteristic “reject” standard the contractor shall notify the Government and act in accordance with paragraph f of the Critical Characteristic Control Clause. In addition, if the AAIE accepts a major and/or minor characteristic “reject” standard the contractor shall act in accordance with paragraph 8.3 of ISO 10012 or paragraph 5.2.3 of ANSI/NCSL Z540.3.

(6) All AAIE shall be required to pass a Government-approved Acceptance (Prove-Out) Test. The contractor shall conduct this test per the approved test plan and shall submit a test analysis report for approval. See applicable CDRL (DI-QCIC-81960). This test shall be performed at the contractor’s facilities who’s manufacturing system has had the AAIE fully integrated and calibrated as per paragraph (j) of this clause. The contractor shall allow Government personnel access to this facility and unobstructed monitoring of this test.

(7) The contractor shall notify the Government prior to a modification and/or relocation of the Government-approved AAIE. The modified AAIE designs shall be submitted for approval. The modified and/or relocated AAIE shall require submission of the acceptance test plan (prove-out) and results for review and approval prior to use. The modified and/or relocated AAIE shall be in accordance with paragraphs (g)(1) – (g)(6).

(h) Measurement System Analysis (MSA). The contractor is responsible to ensure all AIE is, at a minimum, stable, repeatable, and reproducible for all characteristics. Refer to ASTM E2782 and/or AIAG MSA for guidance. The contractor shall provide objective evidence, including the MSA assessment plan, associated data, and analysis, which demonstrates the AIE is, at a minimum, stable, repeatable, and reproducible for the following characteristics (MSA CDRL): by each task order.

Approval of submitted MSA(s) must be granted before the corresponding AIE can be used or continue to be used for acceptance of product. If at any time following approval of the AIE and MSA the AIE is disapproved, then the MSA shall be disapproved. After the resubmitted AIE is approved, the MSA shall be conducted on the approved AIE and resubmitted for approval.

(i) Robust AIE System. The contractor shall ensure the AIE and its use is not negatively affected by any manufacturing/inspection environmental stimuli including, but not limited to production rate, noise, temperature, humidity, and vibration.

(j) AIE Calibration and Verification. The calibration system shall be in accordance with ISO 10012 or ANSI/NCSL Z540.3. All AIE shall be subjected to scheduled calibration intervals to ensure that the equipment will accept only conforming product and reject all non-conforming product for the duration of the approved calibration period. AIE shall be subjected to periodic verification to ensure that the equipment will continue to accept and reject product with the same consistency as it did at the time of its previous calibration.

(k) Nondestructive Testing (NDT). Contractor shall submit detailed plans for qualifying and certifying NDT personnel and plans for qualification and ongoing use of NDT methods used for inspecting product. If re-qualification of NDT personnel and/or NDT methods is required, then the applicable plans shall be submitted.

(1) Personnel performing NDT examinations shall be qualified and certified in accordance with the standard practices prescribed by NAS 410 (NAS Certification & Qualification of NDT Personnel), ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 (ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel), or SNT-TC-1A (Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification and Certification in NDT), and additional procedures that may be identified by the Government. Acceptance of product using NDT shall be performed by personnel at a level of qualification consistent with that defined in the applicable standard.

(2) The NDT method(s) shall be applied in accordance with ASTM E 543 (Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing) and the current nationally recognized standard practices appropriate to the NDT method(s) employed, such as ASTM E-1742 (Standard Practice for Radiographic Examination) and SAE-AMS-STD-2154 (Inspection, Ultrasonic, Wrought Metals, Process For). Each application technique shall identify the standard(s) utilized. Non-destructive testing includes, but is not limited to, the following types of testing: Radiography/Radioscopic, Ultrasonic, Eddy Current, Magnetic Particle, and Liquid Penetrant.

(l) Contractor Alternate Inspection Method(s), Modifications and/or Relocation of AIE (Non-Automated) After Government Approval. If the contractor proposes an alternate inspection method and/or modifies the AIE design(s) affecting hardware, software, or procedures after Government approval the intended change(s) shall be submitted to and approved by the Government prior to implementation. If an AIE is relocated and the relocation risks the integrity of the inspection system, notify the Government to determine information needed to assess impact to AIE. See CDRL (DI-QCIC-81960).

(m) Responsibility for AIE Package Submittal. The contractor shall submit the AIE design documentation package within contractual timeframes per CDRL (DI-QCIC-81960). The Government will provide approval or disapproval within the timeframe specified in the CDRL. Disapproval of the AIE package will require re-submittal and subsequent Government review in accordance with the CDRL requirements. The AIE package and any required prove-outs must be approved prior to First Article (FA) (if required) or production start-up if FA is not required.

(n) Government’s Right to Disapprove AIE. The Government reserves the right to revoke approval of any AIE that is not satisfying the required acceptance criteria at any time during the performance of this contract. See CDRL (DI-QCIC-81960).

(o) Navy Furnished Gages. When gages are listed in paragraph o.9 below, the Navy Special Interface Gage (NSIG) Requirement paragraphs o.1 – o.8 shall be satisfied.

(1) The NSIG(s) are provided for verification of selected interface dimensions and do not constitute sole acceptance criteria of production items or relieve the contractor of meeting all drawing/specification requirements under the contract.

(2) The contractor is responsible for contacting the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Corona Division at least 45 days prior to FAT (if required) or production, for the delivery of NSIG(s).

(3) NSIG(s) will be forwarded to the contractor for joint use by the Government and the contractor. Government furnished NSIG(s) shall not be used by the contractor(s) or subcontractor(s) as in-process or working gage(s).

(4) For production items that fail to be accepted by the applicable NSIG(s), an alternate inspection method may be submitted for approval.

(5) The contractor may substitute contractor designed and built AIE for the NSIG(s) noted in paragraph (o.9) below. However, the designs require Government (Navy) approval and the contractor AIE hardware requires Government (Navy) certification. AIE designs shall be submitted in accordance with CDRL (DI-QCIC-81960).

(6) The Government (Navy) shall not be responsible for discrepancies or delays in production items resulting through misuse, damage or excessive wear to the NSIG(s).

(7) Calibration and repair of the NSIG(s) shall only be performed as authorized by the NSWC Corona Division. Repair is at no cost to the contractor unless repair is required due to damage to the gages resulting from contractor fault or negligence. Damaged, worn, or otherwise unserviceable NSIG(s) shall be brought to the immediate attention of the CAO and NSWC Corona Division. The contractor shall not make any adjustments, alterations or add permanent markings to NSIG(s) hardware unless specified by the NSIG operating instructions or authorized by the NSWC Corona Division.

(8) Within 45 calendar days after final acceptance of all production items, the NSIG(s) shall be shipped to NSWC Corona Division, ATTN: Receiving Officer, Bldg 575, Gage Laboratory, 1999 Fourth St., Norco, CA 92860-1915. The following shipping and marking specifications are applicable:

(i) Shipping, MIL-STD-2073, "DOD Standard Practice for Military Packaging"

(ii) Marking, MIL-STD-129, "Marking for Shipment and Storage".

(9) The following NSIG(s) shall be provided and are mandatory for use except as noted by paragraph (o.5) above: to be determined by individual task order.

.) FIRST ARTICLE TEST (GOVERNMENT TESTING)

a. The first article shall be examined and tested in accordance with contract requirements, the item specification(s), Quality Assurance Provisions (QAPs) and all drawings listed in the Technical Data Package.

b. The first article shall be delivered by the Contractor Free on Board (FOB) destination except when transportation protective service or transportation security is required by other provision of this contract. If such is the case, the first article shall be delivered FOB origin and shipped on Government Bill of Lading.

c. The first article shall be representative of items to be manufactured using the same processes and procedures as contract production. All parts and materials, including packaging and packing, shall be obtained from the same source of supply as will be used during regular production. All components, subassemblies, and assemblies in the first article sample shall have been produced by the Contractor (including subcontractors) using the technical data package provided by the Government.

d. Prior to delivery, each of the first article assemblies, subassemblies, and components shall be inspected by the Contractor for all contract, drawing, QAP and specification requirements except for any environmental or destructive tests indicated here: to be determined by individual task order.

The Contractor shall provide to the Contracting Officer at least 15 calendar days advance notice of the schedule date for final inspection of the first article. Those inspections which are of a destructive nature shall be performed upon additional sample parts selected from the same lot(s) or batch(es) from which the first article was selected. Results of contractor inspections (including supplier's and vendor's inspection records when applicable) shall be verified by the Government Quality Assurance Representative (QAR). One copy of the contractor's inspection report with evidence of the QAR's verification shall be forwarded with the first article; two copies shall be provided to the Contracting Officer. Upon delivery to the Government, the first article may be subjected to inspection for all contract, drawing, specification, and QAP requirements.

e. Notwithstanding the provisions for waiver of first article, an additional first article sample or portion thereof, may be ordered by the Contracting Officer in writing when (i) a major change is made to the technical data, (ii) whenever there is a lapse in production for a period in excess of 90 days, or (iii) whenever a change occurs in the place of performance, manufacturing process, material used, drawing, specification or source supply. When conditions (i), (ii), or (iii) above occurs, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer so that a determination can be made concerning the need for an additional first article sample or portion thereof, and instructions provided concerning the submission, inspection and notification of results. Costs of the additional first article testing resulting from any of the causes listed herein that were instituted by the contractor and not due to changes directed by the Government shall be borne by the Contractor.

f. Rejected first articles or portions thereof not destroyed during inspection and testing will be held at the government first article test site for a period of 30 days following the date of notification of rejection, pending receipt of instructions from the Contractor for the disposition of the rejected material. The Contractor agrees that failure to furnish such instructions within said 30 day period shall constitute abandonment of said material by the Contractor and shall confer upon the Government the right to destroy or otherwise dispose of the rejected items at the discretion of the Government without liability to the Contractor by reason of such destruction or disposition.

.) FIRST ARTICLE TEST (CONTRACTOR TESTING)

a. The first article shall be examined and tested in accordance with contract requirements, the item specification(s), Quality Assurance Provisions (QAPs) and all drawings listed in the Technical Data Package.

b. The first article shall be representative of items to be manufactured using the same processes and procedures and at the same facility as contract production. All parts and materials, including packaging and packing, shall be obtained from the same source of supply as will be used during regular production. All components, subassemblies, and assemblies in the first article sample shall have been produced by the Contractor (including subcontractors) using the technical data package applicable to this procurement.

c. The first article shall be inspected and tested by the contractor for all requirements of the drawing(s), the QAPs, and specification(s) referenced thereon, except for:

(1) Inspections and tests contained in material specifications provided that the required inspection and tests have been performed previously and certificates of conformance are submitted with the First Article Test Report.

(2) Inspections and tests for Military Standard (MS) components and parts provided that inspection and tests have been performed previously and certifications for the components and parts are submitted with the First Article Test Report.

(3) Corrosion resistance tests over 10 days in length provided that a test specimen or sample representing the same process has successfully passed the same test within 30 days prior to processing the first article, and results of the tests are submitted with the First Article Test Report.

(4) Life cycle tests over 10 days in length provided that the same or similar items manufactured using the same processes have successfully passed the same test within 1 year prior to processing the first article and results of the tests are submitted with the First Article Test Report.

(5) Onetime qualification tests, which are defined as a one-time on the drawing(s), provided that the same or similar item manufactured using the same processes has successfully passed the tests, and results of the test are on file at the contractor's facility and certifications are submitted with the First Article Test Report.

d. Those inspections which are of a destructive nature shall be performed upon additional sample parts selected from the same lot(s) or batch(es) from which the first article was selected.

e. A First Article Test Report shall be compiled by the contractor documenting the results of all inspections and tests (including supplier's and vendor's inspection records and certifications, when applicable). The First Article Test Report shall include actual inspection and test results to include all measurements, recorded test data, and certifications (if applicable) keyed to each drawing, specification and QAP requirement and identified by each individual QAP characteristic, drawing/specification characteristic and unlisted characteristic. Evidence of the QAR's verification will be provided. One copy of the First Article Test Report will be copy furnished to successful offeror.

f. Notwithstanding the provisions for waiver of first article, an additional first article sample or portion thereof, may be ordered by the Contracting Officer in writing when (i) a major change is made to the technical data, (ii) whenever there is a lapse in production for a period in excess of 90 days, or (iii) whenever a change occurs in place of performance, manufacturing process, material used, drawing, specification or source of supply. When conditions (i), (ii), or (iii) above occurs, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer so that a determination can be made concerning the need for the additional first article sample or portion thereof, and instructions provided concerning the submission, inspection, and notification of results. Costs of the additional first article testing resulting from any of the causes listed herein that were instituted by the contractor and not due to changes directed by the Government shall be borne by the Contractor.

.) DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

a. All costs for destructive testing by the Contractor and items destroyed by the Government are considered as being included in the contract unit price.

b. Where destructive testing of items or components thereof is required by contract or specification, the number of items or components required to be destructively tested, whether destructively tested or not, shall be in addition to the quantity to be delivered to the Government as set forth in the Contract Schedule.

c. All pieces of the complete First Article shall be considered as destructively tested items unless specifically exempted by other provisions of this contract.

d. The Contractor shall not reuse any components from items used in a destructive test during First Article, lot acceptance or inprocess testing, unless specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer.

e. The Government reserves the right to take title to all or any items or components described above. The Government may take title to all or any items or components upon notice to the Contractor. The items or components of items to which the Government takes title shall be shipped in accordance with the Contracting Officer's instructions. Those items and components to which the Government does not obtain title shall be rendered inoperable and disposed of as scrap by the Contractor.

.) USE OF MIL-STD 1916, DoD PREFERRED METHODS OF ACCEPTANCE

a. The Government will not accept lots whose samples submitted for acceptance contain nonconformances unless appropriately documented and approved by the contracting officer. The contractor shall use MIL-STD 1916, DOD Preferred Methods of Acceptance of Product. The Verification Level (VL) shall be:

VL IV for major characteristics and

VL II for minor characteristics.

b. MIL-STD HDBK-1916 provides guidance on the use of MIL-STD 1916. This handbook is not contractually binding.

.) CRITICAL CHARACTERISTICS (SIX SIGMA)

a. The contractor’s processes shall be designed with the objective of preventing the creation or occurrence of nonconforming critical characteristics (see paragraphs d & e). The contractor shall establish, document and maintain a product specific, critical characteristics control (CCC) plan that shall be submitted to and approved by the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) IAW DD Form 1423 and DI-MGMT-80004.

The CCC plan shall include or reference all procedures, work and handling instructions and process controls relating to any critical characteristics. Mistake Proofing techniques of the material handling and inspection systems shall be a part of the CCC Plan. Guidance for developing this plan and submitting Critical Plans of Action (CPOA) (paragraph g) can be found at http://www.pica.army.mil/PicatinnyPublic/organizations/ardec/orgchart/quality.html.

b. The contractor shall assure its critical processes are robust in design, capable and under control, with the objective of not generating any critical non-conformances. The contractor shall calculate, document, clearly identify, and have a schedule that routinely assess the reliability and effectiveness of its critical processes to prevent generating critical non-conformances as identified in the CCC Plan.

c. An inspection and verification system shall be employed that will verify the robustness of all critical processes. The contractor shall calculate, document, clearly identify, and have a schedule that routinely assess the reliability and effectiveness of its inspection and verification system to detect and prevent critical non-conformance escapes as identified in the CCC Plan. The Government expects that a contractor will allow zero critical escapes. To demonstrate its critical escape risk the contractor will utilize the non-conformance escape risk goal provided below.

(1) Unless otherwise specified immediately below, the calculated critical non-conformance escape risk is 1 in a million (.000001) items delivered.

Or:

Alternate calculated Critical Non-conformance Escape risk ( ):

Unless otherwise approved by the PCO, the non-conformance escape risk is the sum of the individual characteristic escape rates. The probability of escape for a single characteristic shall be calculated by multiplying the non-conformance rate(s) entering the inspection system(s) by the error rate of the inspection system(s). These escape rates are then summed and shall not exceed the tolerable critical non-conformance escape risk.

(2) Within 45 days after award, the contractor can elect to submit a phased-in approach on how the nonconformance escape risk will be achieved over a period of time not to exceed 180 days from the date of first article approval, or from initiation of production when first article is not required. Submission will require approval by the Government and is subject to a technical review and analysis. Allowance for a phased-in approach will then become a part of the contract. Disapproval of the contractor’s submission does not relieve the contractor of its obligation to comply with the terms of this clause.

3) Based on the maximum error rate defined for the inspection system, the contractor shall develop a test procedure to demonstrate the error rate. As part of the test plan the contractor shall include sufficient test quantities to assure 90% statistical confidence in the resultant rates unless otherwise approved by the PCO. Once established, the contractor shall have a documented schedule to routinely monitor the non-conformance and inspection system error rates to assure they do not exceed the maximum rates allotted.

d. As a result of previous practices, the government’s technical data may refer to “Critical I”, “Critical II”, and “Special” characteristics. The use of the term "critical characteristics" within this clause includes Critical I, Critical II and Special characteristics and the use of the term "critical nonconformances" includes those nonconformances pertaining to Critical I, Critical II and Special characteristics. Unless otherwise stated in Section C, these characteristics shall be subject to all requirements of this clause.

e. In addition to critical characteristics defined in the government’s technical data (drawings, specifications, etc.), the contractor shall also identify and document in their contractor developed technical data all known material, component, subassembly and assembly characteristics whose non-conformances would likely result in hazardous or unsafe conditions for individuals using, maintaining or depending upon the product. All additional critical characteristics identified by the contractor shall comply with the critical characteristic requirements of the technical data package, supplemented herein. The Critical Item Characteristic List (CICL) review process shall be included in the CCC Plan. The contractor's additional critical characteristics shall be classified in accordance with guidance located at http://www.pica.army.mil/PicatinnyPublic/organizations/ardec/orgchart/quality.shtml and shall be submitted to and approved by the PCO prior to production (DI-SAFT-80970A).

f. In the event that a critical non-conformance is found anywhere in the production process, the contractor, as part of its CCC Plan, shall have procedures in place to ensure:

(1) The non-conformance is positively identified and segregated to ensure that nonconforming product does not inadvertently remain in or reenter the production process. This control shall be accomplished without affecting or impairing subsequent non-conformance analysis. Final disposition of non-conforming product shall be documented and audited for traceability.

(2) The operation that produced the non-conforming component or assembly and any other operations incorporating suspect components or assemblies are immediately stopped. (See para h. for exceptions)

(3) The government (PCO) is immediately notified of the critical non-conformance (electronic mail)(DISAFT-80970A).

(4) Any suspect material is identified, segregated and suspended from any further processing and shipment.

(5) An investigation is conducted to determine the root cause of the non-conformance and the required corrective actions. An evaluation shall also be conducted with regard to suspect material to ensure that no additional critical non-conformances are present. A report of this investigation shall be submitted to the government (DISAFT-80970A). The use of the DID report shall not delay notification to the government as required in f(3)above.

(6) A request to restart manufacturing or to use any suspect material associated with the critical nonconformance is submitted to the government (DI-SAFT-80970A). Restart of production shall not occur until authorized by the PCO, unless previously addressed in the approved CCC Plan. The Government will respond to a restart request within 3 working days. All objective evidence of the investigations to date shall be available for review at the time of restart. Suspect material shall not be used without PCO approval.

(7) The procuring activity reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any suspect material until the root cause or reasonably likely cause of the critical non-conformance has been identified, corrective action has been fully implemented and sufficient evidence has been provided to exclude non-conforming material from the conforming population.

g. The contractor may develop alternative plans and provisions, collectively referred to as a Critical Plan of Action (CPOA), relative to government or contractor identified critical characteristics. All CPOAs are independent and shall be evaluated by the government for this contract. The CPOA and any subsequent revisions submitted IAW DD Form 1423 and DI-MGMT-80004 require PCO approval prior to implementation. Unless otherwise specified at time of approval, contractor shall review and evaluate CPOAs for currency and process improvements at least on an annual basis and submit results to the PCO. Unless otherwise approved by the PCO, each critical characteristic shall require a separate CPOA. If the CPOA includes other documents by reference they shall be submitted upon request. Guidance for the development of a CPOA can be found in the referenced guidance located at paragraph “a” of this clause.

h. The contractor may continue production with an approved CPOA provided that the critical non-conformance is consistent with the failure mode(s) and rates established in the CPOA. Failure to meet all CPOA requirements will require the contractor to revert back to paragraph f requirements.

i. If a critical non-conformance is discovered beyond its designated inspection point and prior to Government acceptance the contractor shall take actions specified in paragraph f above. If a critical non-conformance is discovered after Government acceptance the Government has the right to invoke the requirements of paragraph “f” with respect to the contractor’s remaining production under this contract

.) STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL (SPC)

Part I – General Statistical Process Control Requirements

(a) In addition to the quality requirements of the technical data package, the Contractor shall implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) in accordance with a government accepted SPC Program Plan. Control chart techniques shall be in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B1, B2 and B3. Alternate SPC charting methods may be proposed and submitted to the Government for review.

(b) The SPC Program Plan developed by the contractor shall consist of a general plan and a detailed plan. The plans shall be structured as delineated on the Data Item Description referenced in the DD Form 1423. The general and the detailed plans shall be submitted to the government for review per DD Form 1423 requirements. Notification by the Government of acceptance or nonacceptance of the plans shall be provided in accordance with the timeframes specified on the DD Form 1423. Once a general plan for a facility has been approved by this Command, the approval remains in effect for subsequent contracts as long as the contractual requirements remain substantially unchanged from contract to contract. Therefore, resubmission of a previously accepted general SPC plan is not required if current SPC contract clause and Data Item Description (DID) requirements are fulfilled. If this Command has previously accepted the general SPC plan under essentially the same SPC contractual requirements, so indicate by providing the Contracting Officer with the following information:

Date of Acceptance ______________ Contract Number(s) ______________

(c) The contractor is responsible for updating the general plan to current SPC contractual requirements. If errors or omissions are encountered in a previously accepted SPC general plan, opportunities for improvement will be identified by the Government, and corrective action shall be accomplished by the contractor.

(d) A milestone schedule will be submitted for those facilities that do not have, or have never had, a fully implemented SPC program and will not have a fully operational SPC program once production is initiated. The milestones shall provide a time phased schedule of all efforts planned relative to implementation of an SPC program acceptable to the Government. A milestone schedule shall include implementation start and complete dates for those SPC subjects addressed in Part II of this clause. The milestone schedule shall only include those actions that cannot be accomplished prior to first article or the initiation of production, if a first article is not required. Milestones shall be developed for each commodity identified for SPC application. Milestones shall be submitted through the Government Quality Assurance Representative to the Contracting Officer for review and acceptance. Any deviations from the accepted milestones, to include justification for such deviations, shall be resubmitted through the same channels for review. The Government reserves the right to disapprove any changes to the previously accepted milestones. Notification by the Government of the acceptance or non-acceptance of the milestones shall be furnished to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer.

(e) The Contractor shall review all process and operation parameters for possible application of SPC techniques. This review shall include processes and operations under the control of the prime contractor and those under the control of subcontractor or vendor facilities. A written justification shall be included in the detailed plan for each process and operation parameter that controls or influences characteristics identified as critical, special, or major which have been deemed impractical for the application of SPC techniques. A pamphlet on application of SPC for short production runs is available through the Contracting Officer.

(f) Statistical evidence in the form of control charts shall be prepared and maintained for each process or operation parameter identified in the detailed plan. These charts shall identify all corrective actions taken on statistical signal. During production runs, control charts shall be maintained in such a manner to assure product is traceable to the control charts. At the conclusion of the production run, a collection of charts traceable to the product, shall be maintained for a minimum of three years. The control charts shall be provided to the Government for review at any time upon request.

(g) When the process or operation parameter under control has demonstrated both stability and capability, the Contractor may request, in writing, through Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) and Contracting Officer (CO) channels to the Product Assurance and Test Directorate, that acceptance inspection or testing performed in accordance with contract requirements be reduced or eliminated. Upon approval by the CO, acceptance shall then be based upon the accepted SPC plan, procedures, practices and the control charts.

(h) The Government will not consider requests for reduction or elimination of 100% acceptance inspection and testing of parameters or characteristics identified as critical in the technical data package, specifications or drawings of this contract if any one of the following conditions exists:

(1) The existing process currently utilizes a fully automated, cost effective, and sufficiently reliable method of 100% acceptance inspection or testing for an attribute type critical parameter or characteristic.

(2) The Contractor utilizes attribute SPC control chart methods for the critical parameter or characteristic.

(3) The critical parameter or characteristic is a first order, single point safety failure mode (nonconformance of the critical parameter or characteristic in and of itself would cause a catastrophic failure).

(i) The Government will only consider reduction or elimination of the 100% acceptance inspection or test requirement for other critical parameters or characteristics if either of the following conditions is met:

(1) The process is in a state of statistical control utilizing variable control chart methods for the critical parameter or characteristic under control and the process performance index (Cpk) is at least 2.0. The Contractor shall maintain objective quality evidence through periodic audits that the process performance index is being maintained for each production delivery.

(2) The critical parameter or characteristic is conclusively shown to be completely controlled by one or more process or operation parameters earlier in the process, and those parameters are in a state of statistical control utilizing variable data, and the product of the probability of the conformance for each earlier parameter associated to the critical characteristic is better than or equal to a value equivalent to that provided by a Cpk of at least 2.0. The Contractor shall maintain objective quality evidence through periodic audits that the process performance indexes are being maintained for each production delivery.

(j) For characteristics other than critical, requests for reduction or elimination of acceptance inspection and testing shall be considered when the process performance index is greater than or equal to a Cpk of 1.33 for variables data. Requests shall be considered for attributes data when the percent beyond the specification limits is less than or equal to .003 (Cpk=1.33).

(k) Process or operation parameters under reduced or eliminated inspection or testing that undergo a break in production less than 6 months in length, may continue to operate under reduced or eliminated inspection or testing provided there has been no degradation below a Cpk of 1.33 (2.0 for criticals). Any break in production greater than 6 months shall require resubmission of the request for reduction or elimination of inspection or testing through the same channels cited in paragraph (g) above.

(l) Not used.

(m) Immediately following a change to a process or operation parameter under reduced or eliminated inspection, the process capability (Cp) or process performance indexes (Cpk) shall be recalculated and documented for variable data; the grand average fraction defective shall be recalculated for attribute data. If any of these values have deteriorated, immediate notification shall be made to the Government along with the associated documentation. Return to original inspection and test requirements may be imposed as stipulated in paragraph n below.

(n) The Government reserves the right to withdraw authorization to reduce or eliminate final acceptance inspection or testing and direct the Contractor to return to original contract inspection or test procedures at any indication of loss of process control or deterioration of quality.

Part II – Detailed requirements pertaining to plan submittal In…